Quote:
Originally Posted by novadude
So the '73 doors were the only thing that made the '72's "non-compliant"?
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The regulatory driver was (FMVSS 215), "Exterior Protection," which became effective on September 1, 1972 which required compliance with occupant protection to side impact to the doors which required the installation of large 22 pound beams (one in each door) and the needed internal reinforcement to the lock/striker area of the internal structure at the quarter panel.
The Government had previously provided exemptions to GM for extenuating circumstances...in the case of Norwood and the strike the Government was pressured to teach GM a lesson and when GM applied for the exemption it was denied. GM then tried to export the affected units to Canada which also failed.
in the end it was cheaper to crush them and clear the lines so 1973 production could get started.